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Cissy Houston, the Grammy-winning gospel legend and mother of the late Whitney Houston, has ed away at the age of 91. Surrounded by family in her New Jersey home, Cissy died on Monday after battling Alzheimer's disease, confirmed by her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston.
"Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family," Pat said in a heartfelt statement, adding that Cissy's contributions to music and culture were "unparalleled." She described Cissy as "a strong and towering figure" and "a woman of deep faith and conviction," whose legacy spanned over seven decades in the music industry."
Cissy's extraordinary career began in 1938 when she ed her siblings in the gospel group, The Drinkard Four, and later became a key member of the iconic vocal group, The Sweet Inspirations.
Cissy Houston sang alongside the greats
Known for their soulful harmonies, The Sweet Inspirations backed legendary artists like Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin. Cissy's powerful vocals can also be heard on Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl" and Jimi Hendrix's "Burning of the Midnight Lamp."
In 1969, Cissy made her final performance with The Sweet Inspirations before pursuing a highly successful solo career. Over her lifetime, she recorded more than 600 songs across various genres, collaborating with musical giants such as Chaka Khan, Donny Hathaway, and Luther Vandross. She even sang alongside her daughter, Whitney Houston.
Cissy earned two Grammys for her gospel albums Face to Face and He Leadeth Me in 1997 and 1998. She also authored three books, including ing Whitney: A Mother's Story of Life, Loss, and The Night the Music Stopped.
A life of faith and music
As the youngest of eight children, Cissy Houston's life was deeply rooted in her faith and family. "We are touched by your generous and your outpouring of love during our profound time of grief," Pat Houston shared on behalf of the family. "We respectfully request privacy during this difficult time."
Cissy Houston's towering presence in gospel and popular music will live on, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the careers of countless artists.